Game machine system, broadcasting system, data distribution system and method, program executing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

This game machine system includes a set top box  51  as a receiving unit for receiving digital data distributed using a broadcast system or a communication system. In a game dedicated device  52 , starting of a game software item is inhibited until a software start enable signal is received by the receiving unit. Next to the software start enable signal, data for substitution or insertion for data of part of the game software is sent. This data can be commercial ads. The game dedicated machine  52  can judge whether or not the commercial ads have been introduced into and are in operation in the game software and, if the commercial ads are not in the game software, the game dedicated machine  52  can be made so as to be out of operation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a game machine system, capable ofdisplaying commercial advertisements, a data distribution system andmethod for distributing data, a program executing method and apparatusfor executing the software and a program starting controlling method andapparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] This invention has a technical pertinence to the Japanese patentApplication No.7-166,682 of the same inventor filed in the name of theassignee of the present invention on Jun. 30, 1995, entitled ‘GameMachine System and Game Method Capable of Commercial Advertisements’.

[0003] Recently, game machines have been propagated not only in thededicated game corner shops, but also in homes, such that the racinggame software of a vehicle or the aircraft flight simulator gamesoftware is marketed in large quantities.

[0004] In the game machine, if a game software item, such as a racinggame software item, is started, the landscape faithfully representing areal F1 racing field is represented on a display. Each racing car is runon a circuit course at an elevated speed in accordance with commandsentered by an operator via an operating board, such as a joystick.

[0005] Although commercial ads are presented in the real F1 racing fieldon a walling of a background circuit course, placards, advertisingtowers or on a chassis of the vehicle, there lacks an instance ofpositively incorporating the corresponding commercial ads in the gamesoftware.

[0006] The ads built on the game are limited to advertisements of thesoftware producing firms before or after the game of the game softwareor on scene change, while there lacks an instance in which positivecommercial ads are made in particular scenes in the game software.

[0007] Even if ads are sometimes displayed in the background, these areformal ads for faithfully simulating the real landscape of the circuitcourse, while there are no instances of commercial ads takingprofitability into account.

[0008] The current civil TV broadcasting firms are managed by profitsfrom the commercial ads, instead of broadcasting fees being charged tothe receivers.

[0009] In similar manner, if commercial ads can be built into thewalling of the background circuit course, placards or advertising towersof the game software, for meeting the demands of a third firm, theadvertisement fees can be charged to the advertising firm so that thesale price of the game software can be lowered or reduced to zero.

[0010] Moreover, since a particular game software is thought to be useda number of times, if the contents of the ads can be optionally modifiedor updated, these will prove to be effective commercial ads to lead toexpected advertisement income. This accounts for the motive which hasled to the present invention.

[0011] The Japanese patent application No.7-166,682 discloses aninvention in which it is proposed to introduce commercial ads during thegame.

[0012] The insertion of the commercial ads leads to cost reduction andhence to increased sale volume of the game software.

[0013] However, there lacks a suitable method whereby it can be judgedwhether or not the commercial ads are introduced and in operation sothat, if there are introduced no commercial ads, the operation of thesoftware will cease.

[0014] If the commercial ads are introduced and in operation, thesponsors of the commercial ads have to bear and pay the charges.Therefore, it is necessary to inhibit the operation of the softwarewithout making the commercial ads. This, however, has not been takeninto account sufficiently in the invention pertaining to the JapanesePatent application No.7-166,682.

[0015] When a game software is first presented for sale, many users usethe software. However, as time elapses since the start of sale, thenumber of the users is decreased.

[0016] If the number of the users is decreased, the utility of the gamesoftware as the commercial ads is decreased. In a game machine whichcannot be run unless the updated commercial ads are introduced, it isnecessary to distribute the updated software data although thecommercial ads are lowered in utility, thus raising the cost of thesoftware.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide agame machine system in which home game machines are connected via acommunication network to a host computer (controller) to provide a gamemachine system and in which the game software items used in the gamemachine system is designed so that the commercial ads can be built intothe game software responsive to the demands of the advertising firms. Itis also an object of the present invention to provide a game methodutilizing the game machine system, a data distribution system, a programexecuting method and apparatus and a program start controlling methodand apparatus, exploiting this game machine system.

[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a gamemachine system in which commercial ads utilized in the game machinesystem cam be suitably easily updated, and a game method utilizing thegame machine system, a data distribution system, a program executingmethod and apparatus and a program start controlling method andapparatus, exploiting this game machine system.

[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide asuitable method for judging whether or not commercial ads are introducedand in operation in a game software item and for taking measures so thatthe game software will not be in operation if the result of judgment isnegative.

[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide asystem for starting a game of a game software put on sale some timebefore and the sale volume of which is decreased, even failing the newlyupdated commercial ads, and a data distribution system, a programexecuting method and apparatus and a program start controlling methodand apparatus, exploiting this game machine system.

[0021] A broadcast system according to the present invention is such asystem capable of distributing digital data, in which, in a receivingside system, software start enable signals are repeatedly sent to areceiving side system at an interval and in which an identificationsignal for the software and data for substitution or insertion for aportion of the data during operation of the software are distributed inan interval between the software start enable signals. In this case, thedata for substitution or insertion may be commercial ads.

[0022] The game can only be started when the software start enablesignal is sent to the receiving side. By containing the time informationin the software start enable signal, the information can be variedrandomly.

[0023] A transmitting side system distributing the digital data byexploiting the broadcast system, according to the present invention, issuch a system in which a software start enable signal, an identificationsignal for a software started in the receiving side system and data forsubstitution or insertion for a portion of the data during operation ofthe software are stored in a storage device, the software start enablesignal is sent to the receiving side system and the softwareidentification signal and the data for substitution or insertion aresent in an interval between the software start enable signals. In thiscase, the data for substitution or insertion may be commercial ads.

[0024] The game can only be started when the software start enablesignal is sent to the receiving side. By containing the time informationin the software start enable signal, the information can be variedrandomly.

[0025] A receiving side system for receiving digital data distributed byexploiting a broadcast system, according to the present invention, issuch a system which includes receiver means for receiving the digitaldata and a game machine connected to the receiver means and capable ofrunning the software. The game software is prohibited from starting inthe game machine until the software start enable signal is received bythe receiver means. In this case, the data for substitution or insertionmay be commercial ads.

[0026] The game can only be started when the software start enablesignal is sent to the receiving side. By containing the time informationin the software start enable signal, the information can be variedrandomly.

[0027] An optical disc used in a receiving side system adapted forreceiving data distributed by exploiting the broadcast system or thecommunication system, according to the present invention, is such anoptical disc in which a software identification signal is appended to arecorded software item and the receiving side system can selectively usethe distributed data.

[0028] A communication system for receiving/transmitting digital data,according to the present invention, is such a communication system inwhich, if an identification signal for a software to be started isreceived from a receiving side system, a software start enable signal issent, at the same time as data for substitution or insertion for aportion of the data during operation of the software are distributed. Inthis case, the data for substitution or insertion may be commercial ads.

[0029] The game can only be started when the software start enablesignal is sent to the receiving side. By containing the time informationin the software start enable signal, the information can be variedrandomly.

[0030] A transmitting side system capable of receiving and transmittingdigital data by exploiting the communication system, according to thepresent invention, is such a system in which a software start enablesignal, a signal capable of identifying a software started on areceiving side system and data for substitution or insertion for aportion of the data during operation of the software are stored in astorage device, and in which, if the signal capable of identifying thestarted software is received from the transmitting side system, asoftware start enable signal is sent to the transmitting side system anddata for substitution or insertion for a portion of the data duringoperation of the software are distributed. In this case, the data forsubstitution or insertion may be commercial ads.

[0031] The game can only be started when the software start enablesignal is sent to the receiving side. By containing the time informationin the software start enable signal, the information can be variedrandomly.

[0032] A receiving side system capable of receiving and transmittingdigital data by exploiting the communication system, according to thepresent invention, includes communication function means and a gamemachine capable of operating a software item. The game machinetransmits, on starting the software, an identification signal for thesoftware adapted for starting, to a transmitting side system, thestarting of the software being inhibited until acceptance of thesoftware start enable signal sent next. In this case, the data forsubstitution or insertion may be commercial ads.

[0033] The game can only be started when the software start enablesignal is sent to the receiving side. By containing the time informationin the software start enable signal, the information can be variedrandomly.

[0034] A data distribution system for distributing data to a pluralityof receiving devices, according to the present invention, includes meansfor recognizing a software program started on a receiving side device onreception of the supplied program identification information, means forgenerating program start enable signal, which is a signal in meetingwith a software program recognized by the recognition means and which,if the software program is a regular software program, enables startingof the regular software program, and means for distributing the programstart enable signal and for distributing data for substitution orinsertion of part of the software program started in accordance with theprogram start enable signal.

[0035] A program executing apparatus for executing a software program,according to the present invention, includes reception means forreceiving program start enable signal distributed from a datadistributing device and data for substitution or insertion for originaldata of the software program and control means for substituting orinserting the original data of the software program for the dataresponsive to the program start enable signal received by the receptionmeans for executing the software program.

[0036] A program start control apparatus for controlling the starting ofa software program according to the present invention includes receivingmeans for receiving from a data distributing device data forsubstitution or insertion for original data of part of the softwareprogram and an encrypted program start enable signal and limiting meansfor enabling execution of a program of substituting or inserting thedata for original data of part of the software program if the encryptedprogram start enable signal can be decoded regularly. The limiting meanslimits starting of the software program if the encrypted program startenable signal cannot be decoded regularly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037]FIG. 1 shows a scene in a racing game in an embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0038]FIG. 2 shows a scene in a racing game in an embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0039]FIG. 3 shows a transmitting side system for supplying CM dataexploiting a broadcasting system in an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0040]FIG. 4 shows a game dedicated machine of an embodiment of areception side system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 5 shows a system employing a personal computer of anembodiment of the receiving side system embodying the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 6 shows an example of a receiving side system embodying thepresent invention.

[0043]FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a transmitting side system and areceiving side system embodying the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 8 shows the manner in which, in a game dedicated machineembodying the present invention, an address of a buffer RAM holdingupdated data is recorded in the main RAM and the data is called outduring the game.

[0045]FIG. 9 shows details of the call-out method in a main RAM of FIG.8.

[0046]FIG. 10 shows a case of using a personal computer embodying thepresent invention in which updated data is recorded in other portions ofthe main RAM, an address of the updated data is recorded in acorresponding portion of the game software and in which the data iscalled out during the game.

[0047]FIG. 11 shows details of the call-out method in the main RAM inFIGS. 10 and 11.

[0048]FIG. 12 is a similar view to FIG. 10 of the embodiment of thepresent invention showing the downloading of a game program.

[0049]FIG. 13 shows new CM data as such being built into the main RAM.

[0050]FIG. 14 shows a broadcast format of data inclusive of the new CMdata sent from the transmitting side system taking advantage of thebroadcast system embodying the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 15 shows details of the PSE of the broadcast format shown inFIG. 14, program ID and the CM data.

[0052]FIG. 16 shows the protocol in the case of utilizing thecommunication system embodying the present invention.

[0053]FIG. 17 shows an example of encoding of PSE signals embodying thepresent invention.

[0054]FIG. 18 shows an instance of decoding of the PSE signals embodyingthe present invention.

[0055]FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of encoding the PSE signals inconnection with FIG. 17 in an embodiment of the present invention andspecifically showing the flowchart of inversion of data and time data.

[0056]FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of encoding of PSE signals in connectionwith FIG. 17 in an embodiment of the present invention and specificallyshowing the manner of appendage of insertion data.

[0057]FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of encoding of PSE signals in connectionwith FIG. 17 in an embodiment of the present invention and specificallyshowing the manner of addition of dummy data.

[0058]FIG. 22 shows a flowchart of encoding of PSE signals in connectionwith FIG. 17 in an embodiment of the present invention and specificallyshowing the manner of appendage of a header.

[0059]FIG. 23 shows a flowchart of encoding the PSE signals inconnection with FIG. 18 in an embodiment of the present invention andspecifically showing the flowchart of detection of data and time data.

[0060]FIG. 24 shows a flowchart showing the decoding of PSE signals inconnection with FIG. 18 embodying the present invention and specificallyshowing subtraction of dummy data.

[0061]FIG. 25 shows a flowchart showing the decoding of PSE signals inconnection with FIG. 18 embodying the present invention and specificallyshowing extraction of inserted data.

[0062]FIG. 26 shows a flowchart showing the decoding of PSE signals inconnection with FIG. 18 embodying the present invention and specificallyshowing re-arraying of data and time data.

[0063]FIG. 27 shows a flowchart showing the processing of PSE signals ina game dedicated machine or a personal computer PC employing a broadcastsystem embodying the present invention.

[0064]FIG. 28 shows a flowchart showing the processing of CM signals ina game dedicated machine or a personal computer employing a broadcastsystem embodying the present invention.

[0065]FIG. 29 shows a flowchart showing the processing of PSE signals ina game dedicated machine or a personal computer PC employing a broadcastsystem embodying the present invention.

[0066]FIG. 30 shows a flowchart showing the acquisition of CM data in agame dedicated machine or a personal computer PC employing a broadcastsystem embodying the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0067] Referring to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the presentinvention will be explained in detail.

[0068] The embodiments of the present invention are meant to encompass agame machine system, a communication system and a broadcast system inwhich a code for limiting the starting of a game program is sent from aCM data server on starting a game software item such as to inhibitstarting of the game in the absence of a CM inserted therein.

[0069]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a scene in a game.

[0070]FIG. 1 shows a scene when a software supplied as a CD-ROM (gameprogram) is directly started, in which CM data 1 and 3 are original olddata while a car 2 and a flag 4 are also original old data.

[0071]FIG. 2 is a scene when a CM data portion or another data portionis replaced by new data (updated data) by the broadcast or communicationsystem.

[0072] In the software supplied by the CD-ROM, a placard 1 is anadvertisement of a timepiece, as shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, it is anadvertisement for hamburger. Similarly, a car 2 is different in color,while a car 3 is not only different in color but is an advertisement fora camera instead of for a cigarette in FIG. 1. A flag 4 is a tri-colorflag divided in the transverse direction and a tri-color flag divided inthe longitudinal direction. That is, by exchanging data of part of thegame software, different advertisements can be inserted even in the samegame.

[0073] These commercial advertisements and scenes of games, such as carsor flags, that can be updated, are termed “CM data or the like” in thepresent specification and drawings.

[0074] Transmission Side System and Reception Side System

[0075] FIGS. 3 to 7 are block diagrams of a system for executing a gamesoftware item capable of updating mainly the CM data or the like.

[0076] Referring to the following table 1, the schematics of the systemnow explained will be comprehensively clarified. TABLE 1 receiving sidesystem game program sending (including old supply of side equipment CMdata or new CM draw- system used the like) data ings using game CD-ROMCM server- broadcast dedicated broadcast system machine system- bufferRAM of game machine PC CM server- broadcast system- HDD of PC usingupper game CM server- commun- part of dedicated broadcast icationmachine system- system buffer RAM of game machine upper PC download CMserver- part of from program commun- server ication system HDD of PC

[0077] First, there is a difference as to whether the system used inupdating the CM data is a broadcast system or the communication system.

[0078] As the transmission side system supplying updated new CM data,the broadcasting system is shown in FIG. 3 and the communication systemis shown in an upper part of FIG. 6 and an upper part of FIG. 7. Thedifference between FIGS. 6 and 7 is that the former transmits only thenew CM data, while the latter furnishes, in addition to the CM data orthe like, the game software (game program) itself by so-calleddownloading.

[0079] Turning to the receiving side system, a game dedicated machineand a personal computer (so-called ‘PC’) can be used as the equipmentused on the receiving side system in both the case of using thebroadcasting system and the communicating system. In the presentspecification, the term ‘game machine’ means both the game dedicatedmachine and the personal computer.

[0080]FIGS. 4 and 7 show the difference in the supplying route of thenew CM data or the like.

[0081] First, if the broadcasting system is used, and the game dedicatedmachine is used as the equipment used on the receiving side, the gameprogram (including old CM data or the like) is sent by the CD-ROMpurchased by the user. The new CM data or the like is then sent via thisbroadcasting system to the buffer RAM of the game dedicated machine. Thecorresponding system is now explained in detail by referring to FIG. 4.

[0082] Next, if the broadcast system is used, and a personal computer isused as the equipment used on the receiving side, the game programcontaining the old CM data is similarly supplied by the CD-ROM. The newCM data or the like is then supplied via this broadcast system to a HDD(hard disc drive) of the personal computer. The corresponding system isexplained in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

[0083] Next, if the communication system is used, and a game dedicatedmachine is used as the equipment used on the receiving side, the gameprogram containing the old CM data is similarly supplied by the CD-ROM.The new CM data or the like is then supplied via this communicationsystem to a buffer RAM of the game dedicated machine.

[0084] The corresponding system is explained in detail with reference toFIG. 6.

[0085] Next, if the communication system is used, and a personalcomputer is used as the equipment used on the receiving side, the gameprogram containing the old CM data is similarly supplied by the CD-ROM.The new CM data or the like is then supplied via this communicationsystem to a HDD of the personal computer. The corresponding system isexplained in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

[0086] In FIG. 7, the game program itself, containing the old CM data orthe like, is furnished by downloading from the transmitting sidecomputer system via communication system to the HDD of the personalcomputer, and subsequently the new CM data or the like is furnished viathis communication system to the HDD of the personal computer. Thecorresponding system is also explained in detail with reference to FIG.7.

[0087] The respective systems are hereinafter explained.

[0088] Transmitting Side System

[0089] Transmitting Side System Employing the Broadcast System

[0090]FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a transmitting side broadcastsystem in case the broadcast system is used for transmitting the CM dataor the like suitably updated with lapse of time. The new CM data or thelike is herein sent to the receiving side system of each home using onechannel of a digital multi-channel broadcast.

[0091] This broadcast system includes a hard disc drive (HDD) 10, acontrol computer 11, a timepiece 12, a synchronizer 13, a data encoder14, a mixer 16, a RS encoder 17, an interleaver 18, a QAM/QPSK encoder19 and a transmitter 20. The broadcast system also includes an antenna21, a (broadcast or communication) satellite 22 or a cable 23, dependingon the type of the broadcast system.

[0092] The CM data or the like is stored in the HDD 10 as a CM server.The control computer 11 reads from the HDD 11 the program start enablesignal (PSE signal) as later explained, a program ID (identification),CM data and other data (CM data or the like), at a pre-set timeinterval, in association with the reference timepiece 12, and transfersthe read-out data to the synchronizer 13. The transferred CM data or thelike is converted by the synchronizer 13 into a time synchronizationsignal which is then encoded by the data encoder 14 and thence suppliedto the mixer 16.

[0093] The supplied CM data or the like is multiplexed by the mixer 16with video and audio signals for other channels encoded with highefficiency encoding by a MPEG encoder 15. The multiplexed signals areencoded with Reed-Solomon codes by the RS encoder 17 and interleaved bythe interleaver 18 so as to be then modulated for broadcasting by theQAM/QPSK encoder 19.

[0094] If the broadcasting satellite (BS) is used, the modulated signalsare modulated with QPSK modulation (four-phase phase shifting andmodulation). If the communication satellite (CS) or the cable (CATV) isused, the modulated signals are modulated with QAM (quadrature amplitudemodulation).

[0095] In the case of the satellite broadcasting, the modulated signalsare then sent via antenna 21 and satellite (BS/CS) 22 to the receivingside (game dedicated machine or the personal computer) of a home 24. Incase of the CATV, the modulated signals are sent via CATV cable 23 tothe receiving system of the home 24. Thus, the receiving side systememploying the broadcast system is the unidirectional communication ofsupplying only the CM data or the like.

[0096] Transmitting Side System Exploiting the Communication System

[0097] The upper part of FIG. 6 and an upper part of FIG. 7 show blockdiagrams of the transmitting side system in case of using thecommunication system for transmitting the CM data or the like suitablyupdated with lapse of time. Since this transmitting side system has dataexchange with the receiving side system, it will be explained inconjunction with the explanation of the receiving side system withreference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0098] Receiving Side System

[0099] The receiving side system is hereinafter explained.

[0100] Receiving side Game Dedicated System Exploiting the BroadcastSystem

[0101]FIG. 4 shows such a receiving side system in which, if thebroadcast system is used, ands the game dedicated machine is utilized asthe game machine of the receiving side system, the game program(including the old CM data or the like) is supplied by the CD-ROMpurchased by the user and subsequently the new CM data or the like issupplied via this broadcast system to the buffer RAM of the gamededicated machine.

[0102] If the broadcast system is used, data is suppliedunidirectionally, that is in a direction from the broadcast system tothe receiving side system.

[0103] This receiving side system includes a set top box 51, asreceiving means for receiving signals sent via satellite 22 or overcable 23 (such as new CM data), and a game dedicated machine 52. The settop box 51 include a tuner 25, a QAM/QPSK decoder 26, a deinterleaver27, a RS decoder 28, a MPEG decoder 29, a data decoder 69 and a serialinterface 30.

[0104] The game dedicated machine 52 of FIG. 4 may, for example, be‘Playstation’ manufactured by SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC. This gamededicated machine 52 includes a buffer RAM 31, a receiver 32, a soundprocessor unit 33, a sound RAM 34, a motion JPEG decider 35, a DMAcontroller 36, a graphic processor unit 37, a video RAM 38, a flashmemory 39, a CD-ROM 40, a CD-ROM drive 41, a CD-ROM decoder 42, an OSROM 43, a CPU 44, such as R3000 series, a geometric transfer engine 45,a main RAM 46 and a main bus.

[0105] The signals sent over the satellite 22 or cable 23, such as newCM data, are selected by the tuner 25 in the set top box 51, so as to bethen QPSK demodulated or QAM demodulated by the QAM/QPSK decoder 26 in areversed manner from the case of the processing during modulation. Thedemodulated signals are then deinterleaved by a deinterleaver 27 anddemodulated for the Reed-Solomon code by the RS decoder 28. Theresulting video and audio signals of the usual broadcast program,independent of the game software, are demodulated by the MPEG decoder 29for restoration to the video and audio signals.

[0106] The new CM data or the like for the game dedicated machine, arepassed through a data decoder 69, which forms a pair with thetransmitting side data encoder 14 of FIG. 3, so as to be supplied viaserial interface 30 to the game dedicated machine 52. The data receivedby the receiver 32 of the game dedicated machine 52 is stored in thebuffer RAM 31 adapted for absorbing the difference in the transfer rateinside and outside the game dedicated machine.

[0107] When the CD-ROM disc 40, having recorded therein the game program(including old CM data or the like), is loaded on the CD-ROM drive 41 ofthe game dedicated machine 52, the game program is transferred via theCD-ROM decoder 42 to the main RAM 46 for storage.

[0108] During this transfer, the new CM data or the like already in thebuffer RAM 31 may be assembled in the main program, or a sub-routinecall may be assembled in the main program after transfer for calling outthe new CM data or the like in the buffer RAM 31, as will be explainedsubsequently in detail. In any case, the CPU 44 causes the game toproceed based on the data in the main RAM 46.

[0109] The function of the remaining portions of the game dedicatedmachine 52 will be explained briefly. The OS of the game dedicatedmachine is stored in the OS ROM 43 and a DMA (direct memory access)controller 36 controls data transfer via the main bus. The flash memory39, holding on memory the time data in the PSE signal, as will beexplained substantially, is used for starting the next game. Thegeometric transfer engine 45 (coordinate transformation engine) effectscoordinate calculations on an object, while the motion JPEG decider 35defreezes the compressed picture data. The motion JPEG decider 35, CPU44 and the geometric transfer engine 45, surrounded by a broken line,are constructed as a one-chip IC.

[0110] The graphic processor unit 37 for vide outputting, as anoutputting system, controls the picture displayed on a monitor, notshown. The video RAM 38 performs the role of the picture feed-out bufferso that the picture is outputted by a monitor. The sound outputtingsound processor unit 33 for outputting the speech controls the speechcontrol from the speaker, while the sound RAM 34 performs the role ofthe feed-out buffer, as the video RAM 38, so that the speech isoutputted by the speaker, not shown. Reception Side Personal ComputerSystem Exploiting the Broadcast System

[0111]FIG. 5 shows a receiving side system in which, when the broadcastsystem is similarly used and a personal computer (PC) is used as thegame machine of the receiving side system, the game program containingthe old CM data or the like is similarly supplied by the CD-ROM and thenew CM data of the like is supplied via this broadcast system to the HDD(hard disc drive) of the personal computer.

[0112] The receiving side system shown in FIG. 5 includes the set topbox 51, adapted fro receiving signal sent via satellite 22 or over cable23, and a personal computer (PC) 68. The set top box 51 is similar tothat shown in FIG. 4. The personal computer 68 is a personal computersimilar to the DOS/V machine and includes a CD-ROM drive 41, a serialinterface 53, a sound card 54, a VGA 55, a keyboard controller 56, a DMAcontroller 57, a BIOS ROM 58, a SCSI interface 59, a HDD 60, an IDEinterface 61, a FDD 62, a FDD controller 63, a CPU 64, an I/O bus, anI/O channel and a main bus.

[0113] On comparison with the system of FIG. 4, the receiving sidesystem of FIG. 5 differs from the system of FIG. 4 in that a personalcomputer (PC) 68 is used as a game machine in place of the gamededicated machine 52. The set top box 51 is not explained specificallybecause it is the same as that shown in FIG. 4. The new CM data sentover the serial interface 30 of the set top box 51 is received by theserial interface 53 in the personal computer 68 and transmitted over theIO bus, I/O channel and the main bus so as to be recorded via IDEinterface 61 on the HDD 60.

[0114] In the personal computer 68, similarly to the game dedicatedmachine 52, if the CD-ROM disc 40, having recorded thereon the gameprogram (containing the old CM data or the like), is loaded on the drive41, the game program is transferred via the SCSI interface 59 to themain RAM 46 for storage. During this transfer, the new CM data or thelike is read out from the HDD 60 so as to be stored in other sites onthe main RAM 46. A sub-routine call is then assembled in the mainprogram on the main RAM 46 for calling out the CM data or the like inother portions of the main RAM. This method will be explained later inmore detail. In any case, the CPU 44 causes the game to proceed on thebasis of data in the main RAM 46.

[0115] Turning to other components of the personal computer (PC) 68, theCPU 64 is e.g., a 486 series of INTEL INC. of USA, while BIOS (Basic I/Osystem) ROM 58 has the computer OS loaded thereon and the DMA (directmemory access) controller 57 effects data transfer control over the mainbus.

[0116] The floppy disc drive (FDD) 62 effects data read-write on or fromthe floppy disc via a FDD controller 63.

[0117] The keyboard controller 56 receives signals from the keyboard andthe mouse. Turning to the output system, the video graphics array (VGA)55 outputs video signals to a monitor, not shown, while the sound card54 restores the encoded signals by e.g., MIDI (music instruments digitalinterface) for outputting the restored signals via a speaker.

[0118] Game Dedicated System Exploiting the Communication System

[0119]FIG. 6 shows the transmitting side system and the receiving sidesystem when utilizing the communication system.

[0120] If the game dedicated machine is used, there is shown as a gamemachine on the receiving side system a receiving system in which thegame program containing the old CM data or the like is supplied by theCD-ROM purchased by the user and in which the old CM data or the like issupplied via this communication system to the buffer RAM of the gamededicated machine. The case of using the communication system differsfrom the case of using the broadcast system in that the bidirectionalcommunication is carried out in the former case with the transmittingside system.

[0121] The transmitting side system employing the communication systemincludes the HDD 10, as a server for the CM data or the like, controlcomputer 11, timepiece 12, FDDI (fiber distributed data interface) 47,and a modem 48, and is connected to a telephone network 49.

[0122] The game dedicated machine 52 of the receiving side system issimilar to that of FIG. 4 except that its receiving end is a modem 50.

[0123] In the game dedicated machine 52, if the CD-ROM disc 40 is loadedon the drive 41, the program ID signals as later explained are read andsent via modem 50, telephone network 49 and host-side modem 48 to thecontrol computer 11.

[0124] In the control computer 11, the program start enable (PSE)signal, as later explained, the program ID signal and new CM data storedin the hard disc drive as a server of the CM data, are sent via modem 48and telephone network 49 to a modem in the game dedicated machine 52.

[0125] The game dedicated machine 52 starts the operation by the programstart enable (PSE) signal for storage of the CM data or the like in thebuffer RAM 31. The operation in the game dedicated machine 52 isotherwise the same as that in the system of FIG. 4 so that thecorresponding explanation is omitted for simplicity.

[0126] Receiving Side Personal Computer System Exploiting CommunicationSystem

[0127]FIG. 7 shows a receiving system in which, if the communicationsystem is used, and the personal computer is used as a game machine ofthe receiving side system, the game program containing the old CM dataor the like is supplied by the CD-ROM and the new CM data or the like issupplied via this communication system to the HDD of the personalcomputer.

[0128]FIG. 7 shows a receiving system in which the game software assuch, containing the old CM data or the like, is pulled out from thetransmitting side computer system via the communication system to theHDD of the personal computer and in which new CM data or the like issupplied via this communication system to the HDD of the personalcomputer. Although the game software as such is downloaded only once atfirst, the new CM data or the like is supplied each time the gamesoftware is supplied.

[0129] For downloading, the transmitting side system exploiting thecommunication system has the FDD 147, HDD 65 as a program server, and aprogram server control computer 66, in addition to the system of FIG. 6.

[0130] In this system, the personal computer 68 is used as a gamemachine in place of the game dedicated machine 52 of FIG. 6. This systemdiffers from the system of FIG. 5 in that its receiving end is a modem67. As in FIG. 6, when the CD-ROM disc 40 is loaded on the CD-ROM drive41, the program ID signal, as later explained, is read via SCSIinterface 59. This program ID signal is sent via model 67, telephonenetwork 49 and the host side modem 48 to the control computer 11.

[0131] The control computer 11 sends the program start enable signal(PSE signal) as later explained, the program ID signal supplied theretoand the CM data stored in the HDD 10 as a CM server to the modem 67 inthe game dedicated machine 52. The CM data or the like is stored in theHDD 60 as in the system of FIG. 5.

[0132] With this system, the game software is not acquired by purchasingthe CD-ROM 40, but is obtained on downloading from the host computer.The downloading request from the personal computer 68 is sent via modem67, telephone network 49, host side modem 48 and FDD 147 to the programserver controlling computer 66.

[0133] The program server controlling computer 66 is responsive to thedownloading request from the personal computer 68 to send the pre-setprogram stored in the HDD 65 as a program server via FDD 147, modem 48and telephone network 49 to the modem 67 in the personal computer 68.

[0134] The personal computer 68 then causes the gam program to be storedin the HDD 60.

[0135] On program starting, the game program is read to the RAM 46 fromthe HDD 60 instead of from the CD-ROM 40. Only one game softwaredownloading operation suffices for one game sort. That is, althoughdownloading needs to be carried out for each different type of the gamesoftware items, the same sort of the game software, once stored, needsonly to be read from the HDD 60. Conversely, the new CM data or thelike, stored in the HDD 10, is read out via telephone network 49 eachtime the game software is started. This system is otherwise the same asthe system of FIG. 5 and hence is not explained specifically.

[0136] Program Structure of Game Software (Entire Structure)

[0137] The following table 2 shows the program structure on the main RAMduring execution of the game software used in the above-describedvarious systems. TABLE 2 how to handle game assoc- updated programupdated iated CM data (including CM receiv- or the first CM data inglike in data or or the side main draw- call-out equipment the like) likesystem RAM ings method game CD-ROM buffer updated dedicated RAM and CMdata machine or the like pre- built call out updated CM data or the likefrom buffer RAM PC HDD call out and updated CM data or the like frommain RAM HDD of down- loaded PC

[0138] The game machine of the receiving side system is classified intothe game dedicated machine and the personal computer (PC), as describedabove. The game program, inclusive of the original old CM data, ismainly recorded on the CD-ROM purchased by the user. If the game programis downloaded, as an exceptional case, the game program is directlyrecorded on the HDD of the personal computer. The updated new CM data orthe like is recorded from the transmitting side via the broadcast systemor the communication system on the buffer RAM or on the HDD if thereceiving side system uses the game dedicated machine or the personalcomputer, respectively. The correspondence to the receiving side system,explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, is shown in Table 2.

[0139] The game is executed in accordance with the game software on themain RAM transferred from this CD-ROM or from the HDD. If the CM data orthe like in the game software recorded on the main RAM is modified orupdated with progress of the game, the manner of handling the new CMdata is classified, as explained with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13.

[0140] Stated briefly, the new CM data or the like is not assembled intothe game dedicated machine, but the address of the buffer RAM of theupdated data is recorded in the main RAM and the updated data is calledfor in the buffer RAM, as shown in FIG. 8. The call-out method is shownin detail in FIG. 9.

[0141] The updated data as such is not recorded in pertinent portions ofthe game software of the main RAM, but is recorded in other portions ofthe same main RAM, while the address of the updated data is recorded inthe pertinent portions of the game software and the updated data iscalled out from the other addresses on the main RAM, as shown in FIG.10. The call-out method is shown in detail in FIG. 11.

[0142]FIG. 12 shows case similar to FIG. 10 with the exception that thegame program is downloaded on the HDD 6.

[0143]FIG. 13 shows a case of assembling the new CM data or the like assuch in the main RAM (sub-routine call).

[0144] Program Structure

[0145] Calling New CM Data on Buffer RAM on Main RAM

[0146]FIG. 8 shows a first embodiment of the present invention in which,when transferring the game software on the CD-ROM 40 to the main RAM 46,in the game dedicated machine 52, any new CM data on the buffer RAM 31,if any, is left as is and only the data of the sub-routine call is leftin the main RAM 46, such that, if an area of the CM data in the mainprogram on the main RAM 46 to be updated is reached, the CM data issub-routine called (called out). This can be adopted in the system ofFIGS. 4 and 6.

[0147] The CD-ROM 40 has recorded thereon program ID data 80, PSE checkdata 81, game program PRG(1) data 82, old CM data Old-CM(1) 83, gameprogram PRG(2) data 84, game program PRG(3) data 86, old CM dataOld-CM(3) 87 and game program PRG(4) data 88, in this order. The old CMdata Old-CM(1) 83 to Old-CM(3) 87 are not limited to the CM data but isthe CM data or the like also encompassing the pictures to be updated,such as car or flag colors explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Onthe buffer RAM 31 are recorded the program ID data 80, new CM dataNew-CM(1) 91 and New-CM(2) 90.

[0148] When transferring data of the addresses C0 to C9 on the CD-ROM 40to the main RAM 46, data of the addresses C0 to C9 on the CD-ROM 40 aredirectly transferred to the addresses M0 to M9 on the main RAM 46. Theaddresses of the transferred CM data or the like for updating on themain RAM 46 are calculated and the leading end of the CM data or thelike to be updated is rewritten to the sub-routine call command and tothe jump command.

[0149] After this rewriting, the old CM data Old-CM(1) is rewritten tocall data Call(1) 93, while old CM data Old-CM(2) is rewritten to calldata Call(2) 94 for calling new CM data new-CM(2). An address B3 of thenew CM data New-CM(1) 91 is recorded in the call data 93, while anaddress B2 of the new CM data New-CM(2) 90 is recorded in the call data94.

[0150] The characteristic portions of this program are explained indetail with reference to FIG. 9. As explained with reference to FIG. 8,if the new CM data is on the buffer RAM 31, sub-routine calling is madeto the address B3 on the buffer RAM 31 at the leading end of the calldata Call(1) 93 of the program on the main RAM 46. Conversely, the newCM data New-CM(1) (91) on the buffer RAM 31 is returned by return, sothat, at an end of processing, control is at a point next to thesub-routine call of the call data Call(1) 93 on the main RAM 46. Sincethis portion contains a jump command of skipping to an address Magneticdisc device 4 on the main RAM 46, the data of the previously writtendata of the addresses Magnetic head device 3 and Magnetic disc device 4are disregarded.

[0151] Calling New CM Data on the Same Main RAM on the Main RAM

[0152]FIG. 10 shows a case in which, when transferring the game programdata on the CD-ROM 40 to the main RAM 46, the new CM data on the HDD 60is not transferred to a corresponding area on the main RAM 46, but istransferred to a different area. In the game program on the main RAM 46,the new CM data in this different area is subroutine-called. Alarge-capacity main RAM, capable of having data of the CD-ROM 40 and HDD60 simultaneously, may be conceived. This main RAM can be used in thesystem of FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0153] As in FIG. 8, if the addresses C0 to C9 on the CD-ROM 40 aretransferred to the main RAM 46, data of the addresses C0 to C9 on theCD-ROM 40 are directly transferred to the addresses M0 to M9 on the mainRAM 46. The program ID80, CM data information 89 and the new CM data 1,2 (91,90) at the addresses H0 to H4 on the HDD 60 are then transferredto the addresses M10 to M14 in a different area from the game softwareof the main RAM 46.

[0154] The address on the main RAM 46 of the post-transfer CM data forupdating is calculated, based on the CM data information in thedifferent area on the RAM 46, and the leading end of the data to berewritten is rewritten to a sub-routine call command and a jump command.The old CM data Old-CM(1) 83 and the old CM data Old-CM(2) 85 arerewritten to call data Call(1) 93 for calling the new CM data New-CM(1)and to call data Call(2) 94 for calling the new CM data New-CM(2),respectively.

[0155]FIG. 12 shows a case of downloading the game software in which, inthe personal computer 68, a program is had in HDD 60, data on the HDD 60is transferred to the main RAM 46, and new CM data or the like on theHDD 60 is transferred to an area new CM data or the like on the main RAM46 is sub-routine called in the main program on the main RAM 46. Thiscan be used in the system of FIG. 7. As compared with FIG. 10, only theorigin of transfer is changed from the CD-ROM 40 to the HDD 60 (directlyrecorded by the downloading).

[0156] The data of the addresses H0 to H9 on the HDD 40 is directlytransferred to the addresses M0 to M9 on the main RAM 46. The program IDdata 80, CM data information 89 and the new CM data 90, 91 at theaddresses Head supporting driving unit 10 to H14 on the HDD 60 aretransferred to the addresses M0 to M14 which represent different areasfrom the game software transferred to the main RAM 46. Then, based onthe CM data information 89 on the different area on the main RAM 46, theaddresses of the main RAM 46 of the new post-transfer CM data arecalculated and the leading end of the CM data being transferred isrewritten to the sub-routine call commands and the jump commands. Theold CM data Old-CM(1) 83 and the old CM data Old-CM(2) 85 on the mainRAM 46 are rewritten to the call data Call(1) 93 and to call dataCall(2) 94, respectively.

[0157]FIG. 11 shows details of the rewritten data in meeting with FIGS.10 and 12. As compared to FIG. 9, already explained, the new CM data orthe like is not on the buffer RAM but on the main RAM 46. Sub-routinecalling is to the address M13 of the different area on the main RAM 46at the leading end of the call data Call(1) 93 on the main RAM 46. Thenew CM data New-CM(1) (91) is returned by return, so that, at an end ofprocessing, control is at a point next to the sub-routine call of thecall data Call(1) 93 on the main RAM 46. Since this portion contains ajump command of skipping to an address Magnetic disc device 4 on themain RAM 46, the data of the previously written data of the addressesMagnetic head device 3 and Magnetic disc device 4 are disregarded.

[0158] Instance of Assembling Updated CD Data on the main RAM

[0159]FIG. 13 shows a case wherein, when transferring the game softwareon the CD-ROM 40 to the main RAM 46 in the game dedicated machine 52exploiting the broadcast system or the communication system, the new CMdata or the like on the buffer RAM 31 is also sent to the main RAM 46 soas to be assembled to the main program. This can be used in the systemof FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0160] In the CD-ROM 40, there are sequentially recorded program ID data80, PSE check data 81, game program PRG(1) data 82, old CM dataOld-CM(1) 83, game program PRG(2) data 84, old CM data Old-CM(2) 85,game program PRG(3) data 86, old CM data Old-CM(3) 87 and game programPRG(4) data 88, are recorded sequentially. The old CM data Old-CM(1) toOld-CM(3) are not limited to the CM data but is the CM data or the likealso encompassing the pictures to be updated, such as car or flag colorsexplained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0161] The addresses C0 to C9 on the CD-ROM 40 are loaded on the mainRAM 46 (corresponding to the buffer RAM 31 of FIGS. 4 and 6). On thebuffer RAM 31 are recorded the program ID data 80, CM data information89, new CM data New-CM(1) 91 and New-CM(2) 90. The CM data information89 is the CM data management information filing the address of thebuffer RAM 31 recording the new CM data or the like and the address ofthe CD-ROM 40 recording the corresponding old CM data or the like.Although the CM data Old-CM(1) and CM data Old-CM(2) are updated, the CMdata Old-CM(3) is not updated. Thus, the first old CM data or thepre-updating data are commended to be used.

[0162] If, during data transfer from the CD-ROM 40 to the main RAM 46,there is an address on the CD-ROM 40 of the CM data or the like beingupdated in the CM data information 89 of the buffer RAM 31, the originof transfer switches from the CD-ROM 40 to the buffer RAM 31, such thatpre-set new CM data form the buffer RAM 31 is transferred. After the endof this transfer, the processing reverts to data transfer from theCD-ROM 40.

[0163] The game software data are sequentially read out from the addressCO on the CD-ROM 40 so as to be sequentially stored beginning from theaddress M0 on the main RAM 46. When the site of transfer is the addressC3 of the CD-ROM 40, transfer switches to the transfer of the CM dataNew-CM(2) 90 from the address B2 of the buffer RAM 31, because the oldCM data Old-CM(2) 85 is to be updated and the corresponding addressCartridge 5 is at the CM data information 89 on the buffer RAM 31. Whenthe address B3 is reached, transfer again switches to transfer from theaddress C6 of the CD-ROM 40.

[0164] Then, when the address of the CD-ROM 40 reaches Center hub 7,since the old CM data Old-CM(3) 87 is not to be updated, the addressCenter hub 7 is not recorded in the CM data information 89 of the bufferRAM 31. Thus, data transfer is continued, with the CM data 3 remainingto be the old CM data Old-CM(3) 87, to terminate data transfer ataddress C9.

[0165] Thus, new CM data New-CM(1) 91 and new CM data New-CM(2) 90 arewritten on the main RAM 46 in place of the old CM data Old-CM(1) 83 andold CM data Old-CM(2) 85 on the CD-ROM 40. However, the CM data 3 iswritten on the main RAM 46 as the old CM data Old-CM(3) 87.

[0166] Since in general the capacity of the main RAM 46 is smaller thanthat of the CD-ROM 40, the game is executed as necessary data istransferred from the buffer RAM 31 to the main RAM 46 when thecorresponding address is reached in the course of execution of the gameprogram. When the CM data area is reached on the game software,reference is had to the CM data information on the buffer RAM to capturethe data from the buffer RAM if necessary to execute the game.

[0167] Date Format Exploiting the Broadcast System and CommunicationProtocol Exploiting the Communication System

[0168] Data Format Exploiting Broadcast System

[0169] It has been explained by Table 2 that the new CM data or the likeis supplied to the receiving side system by exploiting the broadcastsystem or the communication system. Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, thecommunication protocol during transmission of the new CM data in thecommunication system, such as the new CM data or the like in thebroadcast system.

[0170] In the broadcast system, new CM data is sent from the sendingside broadcast station to the receiving side system by unidirectionalcommunication. FIG. 14 shows the broadcast format of data containing thenew CM data supplied from the broadcast station. As shown therein, datamade up of four blocks of A to D are repeatedly broadcast at an intervalcorresponding to a CM interval 105.

[0171] Each of the blocks A to D are started at the program start enable(PSE) signal 100. The length of each block, that is the interval fromthe PSE signal to the next block PSE signal is termed a PSE interval117, and is of a pre-set data length. The PSE 100 is a program startenable signal. If the receiving side game dedicated machine or personalcomputer can confirm the arrival of the PSE 100, the game program isstarted. Stated differently, the game software starting is inhibited ifthe arrival of the PSE 100 cannot be confirmed. That is, the gamesoftware not having the CM data or the like cannot be started.

[0172] As shown in the lower part of the figures, each of the respectiveblocks A to D has, next to the PSE 100, the program ID, also referred toas ‘program code’, and plural sets of CM data (such as sets of 107 and108) associated with the program ID. First, the program ID is read, andthe CM data coincident with the program ID is captured into the gamemachine. The block A (code 101) has three new CM data associated withthree program codes, namely ‘#ASW000001’, ‘#ASW0012056’ and‘#BZQ4625023’. To these CM data are accorded the corresponding programidentification signals as headers.

[0173] First, there is the PSE 100, followed by the program ID107 andassociated CM data ‘#ASW000001’ 108, followed by the program ID 109 andassociated CM data ‘#ASW0012056’ 110, finally followed by the program ID111 and associated CM data ‘#BZQ4625023’ 112. Since the block length(PSE interval 117) is constant, the deficit portion is made up for bythe gap 106 to complete a block. The block B is constituted by the CMdata of different sorts from the block A. These blocks A to D of thesame contents, making up the sole CM interval 105, are broadcastrepeatedly sequentially.

[0174] In the course of the CM interval 105, at least one new CM data istransferred. If there is no arrival of CM data during the CM interval105, there is no broadcast CM data, such that the CM data is notupdated. If the game software is an old one used for some long timesince its first sale, the number of users is few, such that, if the CMdata is updated, the effect is only small so that new CM data is notbroadcast. If the new CM data is not broadcast, the game program can bestarted if the arrival of the PSE 100 is confirmed. In this case, theold CM data or the latest updated CM data on the game program isreproduced.

[0175] In the CM interval 105, the PSE interval 117 is set at a pre-setinterval, such as ¼ interval. The software can be started by receivingthis PSE signal. For smoothing the startup of the software, thisinterval is selected to be shorter than the CM interval 105. The startupof the game software is inhibited if the arrival of the PSE 100 cannotbe confirmed, without dependency on updating/non-updating.

[0176]FIG. 15 shows details of the signal data formats of the PSE 144,program ID 145 and the new CM data 146.

[0177] The PSE 144 is made up of a PSE header (2 bytes) 120 and PSE data(14 bytes) 121. The PSE data 121 has inserted therein the software startenable code and time data. Since there is the time data, the PSE data isvaried with time such that the data is variable each time the gamesoftware is started. Thus, the data security (confidentiality) issecured such that, by checking the PSE data, the startup of a game withnon-updated CM data is inhibited effectively. The PSE data will beexplained in detail with reference to FIGS. 17, 18 and 27.

[0178] The program ID (program code) 145 has the program ID header (2bytes) 122, a data length (8 bytes) 123 indicating the length of thenext following data and the program ID data (16 bytes) 124. The programID data 124 is fixed at 16 bytes, so that the data length 123 is always‘16’.

[0179] The CM data 146 has a CM data header (2 bytes) 125, a total CMdata length (8 bytes) 126 and a total item number data 127 specifyingthe total number of divisions or the total item number (8 bytes)specifying to which data sites corresponds the next following CM data.These data are followed by the new CM data 128 for updating.

[0180] The new CM data for updating 128 is divided by a numbercorresponding to the total item number n shown by the total item numberdata 127. Each of the n portions of the CM data has a division header (2bytes) 129, a division data length (8 bytes) 130, specifying the lengthof the next following divided data portions, the division number (8bytes) 131 specifying the serial number of the divided data portions andthe CD program address (32 bytes) 132 specifying the address of the mainprogram on the CD-ROM, followed by the new CM data New-CM(1) 133 foractual updating. This sequence is repeated up to the n'th divided dataportion (CM data New-CM(n)) 138 specified by the total number ofdivisions, that is the total item number data 127.

[0181] Communication Protocol Utilizing the Communication System

[0182] On the other hand, if the communication system is used, first thegame is started with the game dedicated machine or the personal computerof the receiving side system and the program ID is read and sent overthe telephone network 49 to the sending side system by way of preformingbidirectional communication. FIG. 16 shows schematics of the protocol inthe communication system. The exchanged data format is the same as thatshown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 16, if the game software stored inthe CD-ROM 40 is started, the program ID signals are acquired from theCD-ROM 40. These program ID signals are sent from the home 24 to the CMserver controlling computer 11 (arrow a in FIG. 16).

[0184] The CM server controlling computer 11, which has received theprogram ID signals, retrieves the CM data associated with the program IDsignals from the HDD 10 which is the CM server. After the end of theretrieval, the CM server controlling computer 11 returns the PSE signals141, program ID 142 and the CM data 143, in this order (arrows b, c andd in FIG. 16).

[0185] The second PSE signal is then acquired, as later explained. Thatis, the program ID signal is again sent from the home 24 to the CMserver controlling computer 11, while the PSE signal is returned fromthe CM server the home 24.

[0186] In the home 24, the time information of the PSE signal, indicatedby arrow b of FIG. 16, is compared at the home 24 to the PSE signalindicated by arrow f to judge the two PSE signals to be correct if theerror is within a pre-set allowable value to permit the start of thegame, whereas, if the error exceeds the allowable value, the two PSEsignals are judged to be in error to terminate the operation. Meanwhile,if the long time has elapsed since the first sale of the game software,such that there is no corresponding CM data on the HDD 10, only the PSEsignals and the program ID are returned. The receiving side system canconfirm arrival of the PSE signals to permit the start of the gamesoftware. Meanwhile, in this protocol, the program ID is notindispensable, but is used only for confirmation purposes.

[0187] Encoding and Decoding of PSE Signals

[0188] A specified insertion code, as set by the game software producer,is inserted into the PSE signals, and the receiving side system judgesthe coincidence or non-coincidence of the insertion code for determiningwhether or not the game can be started.

[0189] Encoding

[0190] The PSE has the time information and hence is changed with timeso that it is effective in safety, as described above. Referring toFIGS. 17 and 18, encoding and decoding examples for the PSE signals inthe CM server controlling computer 11 will be explained.

[0191]FIG. 17 is an example of encoding. For the PSE signals, the timeof the reference timepiece 12 is used. This time is acquired as the dateand time of distribution (year, month, day, hour, minute and second)(1996.2.29, 18:05:38' and is symbolized as shown at B in FIG. 17. Thesymbolized signal is then re-ordered so that the MSB side and the LSBside are interchanged with each other, as shown at C in FIG. 17, toprovide the symbol sequence in the order of the decreasing rate ofchange (second - year). The leading end at the beginning of the game isformed by a sort of random numbers for thereby specifying the point ofinsertion of the insertion data as now explained.

[0192] The leading end number of the re-arrayed signal is acquired (D inFIG. 17). This number is ‘8’ in the present embodiment. There is nochange up to the leading end number (8) as counted from the leading end.However, the insertion code is inserted at the next point (9th point).In the present embodiment, the insertion code is ‘ok’. After theinsertion code, the n'th data ff. are shifted and continued (E in FIG.17). Conversion is made to the 8-bit data in accordance with JIS (F inFIG. 17).

[0193] The dummy data code, optionally set by the game softwareproducer, is acquired. The dummy data may differ from one game softwareto another. In the present embodiment, the dummy code is ‘startok’ (G inFIG. 17). Similarly, the dummy code (G in FIG. 170) is also convertedinto JIS 8-bit data (H in FIG. 17). These two 8-bit data (F and H inFIG. 17) are added together bit-by-bit to give an addition data (I inFIG. 17). To this addition data are appended the PSE header ‘03h, f7h’and the resulting PSE is encoded and transmitted (J in FIG. 17).

[0194] Encoding Flowchart

[0195] FIGS. 19 to 22 show the PSE encoding flowchart. The encodingprocessing is carried out by the CM server controlling computer 11 inFIGS. 6, 7 and 16.

[0196]FIG. 19 is a flowchart up to re-arraying at the time of PSEencoding.

[0197] First, at step S170, the date and time data is acquired. Then, atstep S171, the date and time data is converted into a string ofnumerical figures N(j). The string of numerical figures prior tore-arraying in N(j) and that subsequent to re-arraying is M(j), where jspecifies the serial number in the string. The number of numericalfigures in the date and time data jmax is 12 in the embodiment of FIG.17. At step S172, j is set to 1 (j=1). At steps S173, S174 and S175, theoperations of inserting the j'th data of N into the (jmax−j+1)th placein M is repeated from j=1 to i=jmax (=12). This re-arrays the string ofnumerical values N(j) of the date and time data so that the MSB side andthe LSB side are interchanged to give the string of letters M(j).

[0198]FIG. 20 is a flowchart up to the addition of insertion data (E inFIG. 17), which is carried out next to affirmative judgment of step S174in FIG. 19. Since the insertion data in FIG. 17 is ‘ok’, imax=2. Next,at step S177, j is set so that j=jmax+imax=2. Then, at step S177, j isset so that j=jmax+imax (=12+2=14). The data are shifted by imaxsequentially from the last letter. Then, at step S178, M(j+jmax)=M(j).From the last portion of the string, the string up to M(1)+1 is shiftedby imax. M(1) corresponds to the leading end number of the string M(j).Since the string is unchanged up to this leading end number, theinsertion and shifting point is downstream of M(1)+1st letter. At thenext step S180, j=j−1. The steps S178 to S180 are repeated until therequirement of the step S179 is met. If the condition of step S179 ismet, processing transfers to step S1181 to set i=1. Then, at step S182,M(M(1)+i)=I(i) to insert the insertion code beginning from the M(1)+1stletter. The steps S182, S183 and S184 are then repeated until thecondition i=Imax is met at step S183. Is the condition of step S183 ismet, processing transfers to step S184 of FIG. 21.

[0199]FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the process of PSE encoding of FIG.17 up to the step of addition of dummy data (I in FIG. 17), and showsthe sequence following the affirmative decision at step S183 of FIG. 20.

[0200] First, at strep s184, the dummy letter string D(k) is acquired atstep S184. Since the dummy data D(k) is ‘startok’ in FIG. 17, the numberof letters kmax is 7. Then, at step S185, j=1 and k=1. At step S186,M(j) and the dummy data D(k) in the same rank in the sequence aresequentially summed beginning from the leading end. At step S188, it isjudged whether j-jmax+imax. If the above condition is not met, j is setso that j−j+i at step S188. Then, at step S189, it is judged whether ornot k=kmax. If this condition is not met, k is set at step S191 tok=k+1. The steps as from step S186 are then repeated. If the dummy databecomes depleted earlier than the letter string, k is updated and, atstep S191, the dummy data is again added beginning from the leading end.If, at step S187, j=jmax+imax, the above addition is terminated andprocessing transfers to step S192 of FIG. 22.

[0201]FIG. 22 is a flowchart for header appendage during PSE encodingshown in FIG. 17.

[0202] First, at step S192, the header H(i) is acquired. Since the PSEheader is of 2 bytes, lmax=2. Then, at step S193, j=1 and i=1 are set.Then, at step S194, data are shifted backwards by a header so that the(jmax+imax+lmax−1)th letter of M corresponds to (jmax+imax−1)th letterof M. At step S195, it is judged whether nor not j=jmax+imax and, ifthis condition is not met, j=j+1 is set at step S196. The processing ofsteps S194, S195 and S196 is repeated. If j−jmax+imax is met at stepS195, processing transfers to step S197. Then, at step S197, M(1)=H(1)is set. At step S198, it is judged whether or not i=imax and, at stepS199, i=i+1 is set. The processing of the steps S197, S198 and S199 isrepeated so that the PSE header is appended at the leading end. Ifi=imax is met at step S198, the above processing is terminated.

[0203] Decoding

[0204]FIG. 18 is an example of decoding of PSE which is the reverseoperation of encoding of FIG. 17.

[0205] The PSE data is received as shown at A in FIG. 18 and the headeris first removed, as shown at B in FIG. 18. Then, as shown at C in FIG.18, the dummy code ‘startok’ is acquired, as shown at C in FIG. 18, andconverted into the 8-bit data of JIS as during encoding at D in FIG. 18.The subtracting processing reversed from that during encoding isperformed for restoration to the JIS code shown at F in FIG. 18, beforereverting to the JIS code shown at f in FIG. 18.

[0206] The leading number ‘8’ is then acquired at G in FIG. 18 forsetting the position of insertion of the insertion code. The insertioncode is extracted at H in FIG. 18 and the date time code is isolated atI in FIG. 18. The re-arraying for inverting the MSB and LSB sides isperformed at J in FIG. 18 for obtaining the distribution date and timeof ‘1996.2.29 18:05:38’ shown at K in FIG. 18 is obtained.

[0207] Decoding Flowchart

[0208] FIGS. 23 to 26 show the PSE decoding flowchart. FIG. 23 is aflowchart showing the sequence of PSE decoding shown in FIG. 18.

[0209] First, at step S200, the header H(1) is acquired. Since the PSEheader is of 2 bytes, lmax=2. Then, at step S201, j=1 and i=1 are set.Then, at step S202, it is judged by the PSE check 81 of FIG. 13 whetheror not the sequentially entered input data ID is the same as the leadingdata H(1) of the PSE header ‘03h, f7h’. If the input data is the same asH(1), processing transfers to step S204. At step S204, it is judgedwhether or not l=lmax. If this condition is not met, l=l+1 is set atstep S205. The processing as from step S202 is repeated for sequentiallyjudging the next data. If the condition is not met at step S203,processing reverts to step S201 to repeat the processing. If thecondition of step S204 is met, that is if the data is the same up to thelast data H(lmax), the header is judged to have been detected andprocessing transfers to step S206. After detecting the header, the ID isupdated at step S206 and, at step S207, M(j)=ID is set. The nextfollowing data string is captured to M(j). Then, at step S208, it isjudged whether or not j=jmax+imax. If this condition is not met, j=j+1is set at step S209 to repeat the processing as from step S206. If thecondition at step S208 is met, processing transfers to step S210 of FIG.24.

[0210]FIG. 24 is a flowchart up to the subtraction of dummy data at thetime of PSE decoding shown in FIG. 18.

[0211] First, at step S210, a dummy letter string D(k) is acquired.Since the dummy data is ‘startok’ in the embodiment of FIG. 4, thenumber of letters kmax is 7. Then, at step S211, j=1 and k=1 are set.Then, at step S212, M(j)=M(j)−D(k) is set, such that the dummy data issequentially subtracted from the leading end. At step S213, it is judgedwhether or not j=jmax+imax. If this condition is not met, j=j+1 is setat step S214. At step S215, it is judged whether or not k=kmax. If thiscondition is not met, K=K+1 is set at step S216 and the processing asfrom step S212 is repeated. On the other hand, if the condition of stepS215 is met, that is if the dummy data becomes depleted before depletionof the letter string, k=1 is set at step S217 and the processing as fromthe step S212 is repeated for again summing the dummy data from theleading end.

[0212]FIG. 25 is a flowchart up to extraction of the insertion data atthe time of PSE decoding shown in FIG. 18.

[0213] First, at step S218, the insertion letter string l(i) isacquired. Since the insertion data is ‘ok’ in FIG. 17, imax is equal to2. Then, at step S219, j=M(1) and i=1 are set. M(1) is the leading endletter of the string of letters M(j). At step S220, it is judged whetheror not j is the numerical figure. If M(1) is the numerical figure, thefigure specifies the position of the insertion code. If M(1) is not anumerical figure, it indicates that dummy data is at the leading end. Ifthe leading end is the numerical figure, processing transfers to stepS221 to make judgment whether or not the letter string is the same asthe insertion code as from the M(1)+1st letter at which the insertioncode is entered. If non-coincident data occurs at step S221 in thecourse of decision, the data is judged to be not the PSE code such thatprocessing reverts to acquisition of the PSE header of FIG. 23. If allthe insertion codes are found to be coincident, data at back of theinsertion code is shifted at step S227. Conversely, if the leading endis not the numerical figure, data at back of the insertion code ‘ok’once becomes zero. Therefore, it is judged whether or not the data iszero. If the data is not zero, the data is found not to be the PSE codesuch that processing transfers to acquisition of the PSE header of stepS201 of FIG. 23. The subsequent operation is the same as the processingwhen the leading end is the numerical figure.

[0214] First, at step S229, j=1 is set. Then, at step S230, the letterstring M(j) is re-arrayed so that the MSB and LSB sides are reversedfrom each other to give the string of numerical figures N(j). Then, atstep S231, it is judged whether j=jmax and, if this condition is notmet, j−j+1 is set at step S232 to repeat the processing as from stepS230. If the condition of step S231 is met, processing transfers to stepS233 to convert the string of numerical figures N(j) into date and timedata to terminate the decoding processing.

[0215] PSE Signal Processing and CM Data Acquisition Method

[0216] The PSE signals, thus acquired, are processed on the receivingside in a different manner depending on whether the broadcast system orthe communication system is used, as now explained.

[0217] PSE Signal Processing and CM Data Acquisition in Game Machine

[0218]FIGS. 27 and 28 are flowcharts showing the method for processingthe PSE signals and the acquiring the CM data in the game machineexploiting the broadcast system.

[0219]FIG. 27 shows the method of processing the PSE signals. At stepS240, i denotes the sequence of acquisition of the PSE signals. At stepS240, this i is initialized to 1 (i=1). The flash memory 39 of FIG. 4holds the time information in the PSE signal received on previousstartup. At step S241, the time information thus held is acquired asTP(0). The personal computer (PC) holds the time information in the PSEsignal received on previous startup on the HDD 60, so that, in suchcase, the time information is acquired as TP(0) from the HDD.

[0220] If the i'th PSE signal is acquired in the course of progress ofthe game software, the time information inclusive of the date and timeis simply increased. Thus, it is checked if PSE(i)>PSE(i-1) holds and,if the result is NO, the game is interrupted by programming techniques.

[0221] The operation of the time counter TC is explained.

[0222] This time counter TC perpetually counts the internal clocks. Thistime counter TC, used for various applications, is herein used forjudging whether or not the PSE signal will be received in the limitingtime duration TO. TC=0 at step S242 means resetting the counter. At stepS242, the counter is reset to wait for reception of the PSE signal atthe next step S243. If, however, the PSE signal is not received within apre-set constant time TO (tine-out), it is judged at step S244 that thebroadcast is not being received. Thus, processing transfers to step S245to display ‘non-connection’ or ‘interruption’ to terminate theprocessing. Meanwhile, TO needs to be longer than the PSE interval 117.

[0223] On reception of the PSE signal, the value of TC is first enteredto and held in the TIC at step S246. However, this value is irrelevantfor the first check since it is used during the second check. Then, atthe next step s247, since the time information in the PSE data of thereceived PSE signal is TP(i), that is i=1, it is held in TP(1).Moreover, the time data in the flash memory 39 is updated at step S248in the HDD 10 for evading a situation in which erroneous large time datashall be entered to continue error code display in the next stagejudgment symbol. At step S248, time data in the flash memory 39 isupdated. In case of the personal computer (PC) 68, the time informationin the HDD 10 is naturally updated at step S248.

[0224] At step S249, the previously acquired time data TP(0) is comparedto the current TP(1). As a matter of course, the newly acquired timedata must specify the backward time rather than the forward time. Ifthis condition, that is

TP(i)>TP(i−1)

[0225] is not met, processing transfers to step S250 to display an errorcode specifying that the signal is in error before terminating theoperation.

[0226] If the result of check at step S249 is YES, processing transfersto step S251 to judge whether the PSE signal acquisition is the firstoccurrence, that is if i=1. If the result of judgement is YES, the valueof i is updated at step S253. Then, processing reverts to step S242 toreset the time counter TC for acquiring the second PSE signal at stepS243.

[0227] If the result of judgment at step S249 is YES, processingtransfers to step S251 to judge whether the PSE signal has been acquiredfor the first time, that is whether or not i=1. If the result is YES,the value of i is updated at step S253. Then, processing reverts to stepS242 to reset the time counter TC for acquiring the PSE signal a secondtime. Then, the time data in the PSE signal received at step S247 isheld in TP(2), at the same time as the time data in the flash memory 39is updated at step S248. At the next step S249, TP(1) is compared toTP(2) as at the first time.

[0228] At this step S249, since the time data TP(2) specifies the morebackward time than the forward time data TP(1), processing transfers tothe next step S251. Since i is not 1, processing transfers to step S252.At this step S252, the value of TCI obtained on counting the clocks inthe game machine is compared to the difference between the receivedTP(1) and TP(2). Since the PSE is sequentially transmitted at thepre-set PSE interval, as explained with reference to FIG. 14, thedifference between two consecutive values, such as TP(1) and TP(2), mustindicate a value corresponding to the above PSE interval. Thus, if theallowable error value, inclusive of the PSE interval difference, iswithin ±δT, the two PSE signals are judged to be correct signals. Thus,the software is started to terminate the operation. That is, if theallowable time difference as the allowable error is δT and

TPDmin=TP(i)−TP(i−1)−δT

[0229] and

TPDmax=TP(i)−TP(i−1)+δT

[0230] it is judged at step S252 whether or not

[0231] TPDmin=TP(i)−TP(i−1)−δT<TPDmax=TP(i)−TP(i−1)+δT holds. If theallowable value is exceeded, processing transfers to step S250 todisplay an ‘error code’ specifying that the signal is in error toterminate the operation.

[0232]FIG. 28 shows the method for acquiring the CM data when employingthe broadcast system. In this figure, m denotes the sequence ofacquisition of the program ID signal. At the first step S255, m=0 isset. At the next step S256, the program ID signal on the CD-ROM is heldas the PIDcd. At step S257, m is updated each time the program ID signalis acquired. Then, at the next step S258, the program ID signal of theCM data is entered from the set top box to the PID(m). Then, at stepS259, the received program ID signal PID(m) is sequentially compared tothe PIDcd of the program ID signal on the CD-ROM and, incase ofcoincidence, processing proceeds to acquisition of the CM datadownstream of step S261.

[0233] Since the same CM data is repeatedly broadcast, as explained withreference to FIG. 14, if the first m=1 at step S260 a, processingreverts to step S257 and, if otherwise, that is if m>1, processingtransfers to step S260 b. At step S260 b, processing reverts to stepS257 until the first received program ID signal PID(1) is received, and,if the first received program ID signal PID(1) is received, that is ifPID(m)=PID(1), the operation is terminated as indicating that the CMdata has made its round.

[0234] During reception of CM data as from step S261, j denotes thenumber of the divided data written in the buffer RAM 31 of FIG. 4 andBA(j) denotes the address at which the CM data has been written in thebuffer RAM 31 of FIG. 4. If reference is also had to FIG. 15, the numberof total divisions or the total item number n, specifying to whichnumber of data sites corresponds the CM data is specified by the totalitem number 127, whilst the division number or the division sequence kspecifying the serial number of the divided data portions is specifiedby the divided data lengths 130, 135. The disc address DA(k) specifyingthe address of the main program on the CD-ROM is specified by the discaddresses 132, 137.

[0235] At step S261, j=0 and L(0)=0 are set, whereas, at step S262,n=total item number or the total number of divisions.

[0236] The buffer RAM 31, in which the CM data is written, is dividedinto a CM data area for writing the CM data and the CM data informationadapted for holding the information of the CM data held on the bufferRAM 31. At step S263, j=j+1 is set, by way of updating. BA(j) is thecurrent buffer address as found from the buffer address BA(j−1) of theprevious CM data and the divided data length L(j−1). At step S264, theacquired new CM data New-CM(k) is sequentially written in the CM dataarea of the buffer RAM 31, while the divided data length L(k)representing the length of the divided data is updated to the CM datainformation of the buffer RAM 31, and the disc address DA(k), which isthe CD program address specifying the address of the main program on theCD-ROM acquired at step S265, is updated. At step S267, these data andthe written address BA(k) of the buffer RAM 31 are written.

[0237] At step S268, if the number of the divided written data j iscoincident with the number of divisions n specifying to which number ofdata sites corresponds the CM data, it is judged that all CM data can bewritten, before terminating the processing.

[0238] PSE Signal Processing in the Communication System and Acquisitionof CM Data

[0239]FIGS. 29 and 30 show the method for processing the PSE signal incase of utilization of the communication system and the method foracquiring the CM data. In particular, FIGS. 29 and 30 show the PSEsignal processing method and the CM data acquiring method, respectively.If the communication system is used, the program ID read by thereceiving side system from the CD-ROM 40 is sent via the telephonenetwork 49 to the transmission side system and subsequently the PSEsignal is supplied from the transmitting side system to the receivingside system.

[0240] In FIG. 29, similarly to FIG. 27, i is initialized io 1 at stepS269, where i denotes the sequence in which the PSE signal has beenacquired. In the flash memory 39 of FIG. 4, the time information in thepreviously PSE signal is held. At step S270, the time information thusheld is acquired as TP(0). Similarly, since the personal computer 68shown in FIG. 6 holds in the HDD 60 the time information in thepreviously received PSE signal, the time information is received asTP(0) from the HDD.

[0241] Then, at step S271, the time counter TC is reset (TC=0) and, atstep S272, PIDcd of the program ID signal on the CD-ROM is transmitted(arrow a in FIG. 16) to wait for reception of the PSE signal at stepS273. At step S274, if the PSE signal is not received within a pre-settime TO (time-out), the broadcast is deemed as being not received, sothat, at step S275, ‘non-connection’ is displayed to terminate theprocessing.

[0242] On reception of the PSE signal (arrow b in FIG. 16), processingproceeds to acquisition of CM data (arrows c and d in FIG. 16). First,at step S276 a, the value of TC is entered to TIC. This is irrelevant tothe first trial since the value is used for the second check. At stepS276 b, the time counter TC is again reset to zero (TC=0). This isbecause the CM data is acquired first in case of communication thusleaving vacant time until acquisition of the PSE signal. Then, at stepS277, time data in the received PSE signal is held in TP(1), at the sametime as time data in the flash memory 39 is updated. As a matter ofcourse, in the case of the personal computer 68, the time information inthe HDD 10 is updated at step S278.

[0243] At the next step S279, the previously acquired time data TP(0) iscompared to the current TP(1). As a matter of course, the newly acquiredtime data must indicate the backward time with respect to the previousvalue. If this condition is not met, an ‘error code’ indicating that thesignal is in error is displayed at step S280 to terminate the operation.If the decision is met, processing proceeds to acquisition of the CMdata (arrows c and d in FIG. 16).

[0244] In FIG. 30, the program ID from the PID=transmission system isset at the first step S285 a. At the next step S285 b, the receivedprogram ID signal PID is compared to the program ID signal PIDcd on theCD-ROM. It the two signals coincide with each other, processing proceedsto acquisition of the CM data as from step S287. In case ofnon-coincidence, processing transfers to step S286 to display ‘ID error’specifying non-coincidence of the program ID signals to terminate theprocessing.

[0245] The steps S287 to S294 of the CM data acquisition portion sincecomparison of the PID and PIDcd of the program ID signal at step S285 bas to signal coincidence and the affirmative decision are the same asthe steps S261 to S268 of FIG. 28 and hence the description is omittedfor simplicity. That is, if the allowed time difference, which is theallowed error value, is δT, and

TPDmin=TP(i)−TP(i−1)−δT

[0246] and

TPDmax=TP(i)−TP(i−1)+δT

[0247] it is judged at step S282 whether or notTPDmin=TP(i)−TP(i−1)−δT<TPDmax=TP(i)−TP(i−1)+δT holds.

[0248] Conversely, should the allowed value be exceeded, processingtransfers to step S280 to display an ‘error code’ specifying that thesignal is in error to terminate the operation. Meanwhile, since the timedeviation since transmission until reception is larger in case ofcommunication than in case of broadcast, δT needs to be set to a largervalue.

[0249] With the game machine which has acquire the CM data as describedabove, the program is allowed to proceed based on the CM data.

[0250] In all of the above-described embodiments of the presentinvention, it is checked on startup of the software whether or notcommercial ads are received and, if the commercial ads are not received,the software start can be halted to inhibit illegal use. Moreover,operation start with an illegal signal can be excluded on softwarestartup.

[0251] That is, a game machine can be provided by connecting thehousehold game machines via a communication network or the like to ahost computer. Moreover, the game machine and the game playing methodemploying the system can be provided in which commercial ads can bebuilt into the game software utilized in the game machine systemresponsive to the needs of advertising firms.

[0252] Also, the game machine and the game playing method employing thesystem can be provided in which commercial ads built into the gamesoftware utilized in the game machine system can be optimally updatedeasily.

[0253] In addition, a suitable method can be provided in which it can bejudged whether commercial ads are built into the game software and inoperation and in which, if the commercial ads are built into the gamesoftware in this manner, the corresponding operation is inhibited.

[0254] Furthermore, a system can be provided in which, if some time haselapsed since first sale of a game software such that the number ofusers and hence utility of commercial ads is decreased, the game can bestarted even failing transmission of newly updated commercial ads.

[0255] Based on the above-described embodiments of the presentinvention, the following examples of execution are recited.

[0256] Case of Utilizing Broadcast System

[0257] (1) A broadcast system capable of distributing digital data inwhich a signal enabling starting of a software repeatedly at an interval(PSE) is sent to a receiver, such as a set top box, and in which asignal for identifying a software identifying a software started on areceiver side (program ID) and data for substitution or insertion (suchas CM data) for substitution of part of data used in the softwareoperation are distributed between the repeatedly sent software startenable signal.

[0258] (2) A broadcast system capable of distributing digital data inwhich a signal enabling start of a software, a signal for identifying asoftware started on the side of a receiver, and data for substitution orinsertion of part of data used during the operation of the software arestored in a storage device, such as a hard disc drive, in which

[0259] a signal enabling starting of a software repeatedly at aninterval (PSE) is sent to a receiver, such as a set top box, and inwhich a signal for identifying a software identifying a software startedon a receiver side and data for substitution or insertion of part ofdata used in the software operation are distributed between therepeatedly sent software start enable signal.

[0260] (3) A game machine having a receiver capable of receiving digitaldata sent by broadcast and a game machine capable of running a software,in which, in starting the software, the software is not started untilacceptance of a signal enabling starting of the forwarded software.

[0261] (4) A game machine having a receiver capable of receiving digitaldata sent by broadcast and a game machine capable of running a software,in which, if an identification signal which is the same as theidentification signal for a software which has been started and data forsubstitution or insertion for substitution of part of data of thesoftware are received during software operation, the data is substitutedor inserted during running of the software.

[0262] (5) A game machine having a receiver capable of receiving digitaldata sent by broadcast and a game machine capable of running a software,in which, if an identification signal for a software which has beenstarted is not received during software operation, the operation of thegame machine is continued on the initial software.

[0263] (6) A game machine having a receiver capable of receiving digitaldata sent by broadcast and a game machine capable of running a software,in which, in starting the software, the software is not started untilacceptance of a signal enabling starting of the forwarded software, andin which, if an identification signal which is the same as theidentification signal for a started software and data for substitutionor insertion of part of data of the software are received during thesoftware operation, the data is substituted or inserted during runningof the software and, if the identification signal for the software isnot received, the operation is continued on the initial software.

[0264] (7) A broadcast system pertinent to (1) above in which the datafor substitution or insertion of part of data of the software arecommercial advertisement.

[0265] (8) A broadcast system pertinent to (2) above in which the datafor substitution or insertion of part of data of the software arecommercial advertisement.

[0266] (9) A broadcast system pertinent to (4) or (6) above in which thedata for substitution or insertion of part of data of the software arecommercial advertisement.

[0267] (10) A software pertinent to (4), (5), (6) or (9) in which thereis inserted an identification signal for the software.

[0268] (11) An optical disc pertinent to (10) having also recorded thesoftware.

[0269] (12) A broadcast system pertinent to (1) or (7) in which thesignal enabling starting of the software is updated.

[0270] (13) A broadcast system pertinent to (2) or (8) in which thesignal enabling starting of the software is updated.

[0271] (14) A game machine pertinent to (3), (6) or (9) in which, if thesignal enabling starting of the software is not updated, the software isnot started.

[0272] (15) A broadcast system pertinent to (12) in which the timeinformation is used as a signal enabling starting of a software forupdating.

[0273] (16) A broadcast system pertinent to (13) in which the timeinformation is used as a signal enabling starting of a software forupdating.

[0274] (17) A broadcast system pertinent to (14) in which the timeinformation is used as a signal enabling starting of a software forupdating and in which, if the time information shows an unusual value,the software is not updated or the operation is discontinued.

[0275] (18) A game machine pertinent to (17) in which, if the timeinformation in a signal enabling starting of the software is smallerthan the previously received value, the software is not updated or theoperation is discontinued.

[0276] (19) A game machine pertinent to (17) in which, if the softwareenable signal are received at least twice on startup, and the differencebetween the previously received time information and the tie informationreceived next differs from an integrated clock value, as found byintegrating the clocks in the receiving system, since the previousreception ands the next reception, the software is not started.

[0277] (20) A game machine pertinent to (17) in which, if the softwareenable signal are received at least twice during operation of thesoftware, and the difference between the previously received timeinformation and the time information received next differs from anintegrated clock value, as found by integrating the clocks in thereceiving system, since the previous reception and the next reception,the operation is discontinued.

[0278] Case of Utilizing Communication System

[0279] (1) A communication system capable of receiving/sending digitaldata in which, if a signal enabling identifying a software for startingis received from a terminal side, a signal enabling starting a softwareis sent to the terminal, whilst data for substitution or insertion ofpart of data used in the operation of the software is distributed.

[0280] (2) A communication system capable of receiving/sending digitaldata in which a signal enabling starting of a software and a signalenabling identification of a software started on a receiver side and

[0281] data for substitution or insertion of part of data used in theoperation of the software are stored in a storage device such as a harddisc drive and in which

[0282] if a signal enabling identifying a software for starting isreceived from a terminal side, a signal enabling starting a software issent to the terminal, whilst data for substitution or insertion of partof data used in the operation of the software is distributed.

[0283] (3) A game machine having a communication function and capable ofoperating a software in which, on starting a software, a signal capableof identifying a software to be started is transmitted and in which thesoftware is not started until acceptance of a subsequently sent signalenabling identification of a software.

[0284] (4) A game machine having a communication function and capable ofoperating a software in which a signal capable of identifying a softwarefor starting is transmitted and, if subsequently data for substitutionor insertion of part of software data is received, part of data issubstituted or inserted during running of the software for executing thegame.

[0285] (5) A game machine having a communication function and capable ofoperating a software in which a signal capable of identifying a softwarefor starting is transmitted and, if subsequently data for substitutionor insertion of part of software data is not received, the game isexecuted on the initial software.

[0286] (6) A game machine having a communication function and capable ofoperating a software in which, on starting a software, a signal capableof identifying a software to be started is transmitted, in which thesoftware is not started until acceptance of a subsequently sent signalenabling identification of a software, and in which, if subsequentlydata for substitution or insertion of part of software data is received,the operation is executed on substituting or inserting part of dataduring running of the software, whereas, if data for substitution orinsertion of part of software data is not received, the game is executedon the initial software.

[0287] (7) A communication system pertinent to (1) in which data forsubstitution or insertion of part of software data used during runningof the software are commercial ads.

[0288] (8) A communication system pertinent to (2) in which data forsubstitution or insertion of part of software data used during runningof the software are commercial ads.

[0289] (9) A communication system pertinent to (4) or (6) in which datafor substitution or insertion of part of software data used duringrunning of the software are commercial ads.

[0290] (10) A software used in (4), (5), (6) or (9) in which there isinserted an identification signal for a software.

[0291] (11) An optical disc pertinent to (10) having also recorded thesoftware.

[0292] (12) A communication system pertinent to (1) or (7) in which thesignal enabling starting of the software is updated.

[0293] (13) A communication system pertinent to (2) or (8) in which thesignal enabling starting of the software is updated.

[0294] (14) A game machine pertinent to (3), (6) or (9) in which, if thesignal enabling starting of the software is not updated, the software isnot started.

[0295] (15) A communication system pertinent to (12) in which the timeinformation is used as a signal enabling starting of a software forupdating.

[0296] (16) A communication system pertinent to (13) in which the timeinformation is used as a signal enabling starting of a software forupdating.

[0297] (17) A game machine pertinent to (14) in which the timeinformation is used as a signal enabling starting of a software forupdating and in which, if the time information shows an unusual value,the software is not updated or the operation is discontinued.

[0298] (18) A game machine pertinent to (17) in which, if the timeinformation in a signal enabling starting of the software is smallerthan the previously received value, the software is not updated or theoperation is discontinued.

[0299] (19) A game machine pertinent to (17) in which, on startup of asoftware, a signal capable of identifying the software is transmittedand a signal enabling startup of the software is received, in whichsubsequently a signal capable of identifying the software is againtransmitted and a signal enabling startup of the software is received,in which the number of clocks in the game machine since previousreception until next reception is integrated, and in which, if thedifference between the previously received time information and thesubsequently received time information differs significantly from theintegrated clock values, the software is not started.

[0300] (20) A game machine pertinent to (17) in which, during running ofa software, a signal capable of identifying the software is transmittedand a signal enabling startup of the software is received, in whichsubsequently a signal capable of identifying the software is againtransmitted and a signal enabling startup of the software is received,in which the number of clocks in the game machine since previousreception until next reception is integrated, and in which, if thedifference between the previously received time information and thesubsequently received time information differs significantly from theintegrated clock values, the software is not started.

1. A broadcast system capable of distributing digital data in which in areceiving side system, software start enable signals are repeatedly sentto a receiving side system at an interval and in which an identificationsignal for said software and data for substitution or insertion for aportion of the data during operation of said software are distributed inan interval between said software start enable signals.
 2. The broadcastsystem as claimed in claim 1 in which the data for substitution orinsertion are commercial ads,
 3. The broadcast system as claimed inclaim 1 in which the software start enable signal is varied randomly. 4.The broadcast system as claimed in claim 3 in which the software startenable signal updated contains the time information.
 5. A transmittingside system distributing the digital data by exploiting the broadcastsystem, in which a software start enable signal, an identificationsignal for a software started in the receiving side system and data forsubstitution or insertion for a portion of the data during operation ofsaid software are stored in a storage device; said software start enablesignal is sent to the receiving side system and the softwareidentification signal and the data for substitution or insertion aresent in an interval between said software start enable signals.
 6. Thebroadcast system as claimed in claim 5 in which the data forsubstitution or insertion are commercial ads.
 7. The broadcast system asclaimed in claim 5 in which the software start enable signal is variedrandomly.
 8. The broadcast system as claimed in claim 7 in which thesoftware start enable signal updated contains the time information.
 9. Areceiving side system for receiving digital data distributed byexploiting a broadcast system, comprising: receiver means for receivingsaid digital data; and a game machine connected to said receiver meansand capable of running said software; said game software beingprohibited from starting in said game machine until the software startenable signal is received by said receiver means.
 10. The receivingsystem as claimed in claim 9 wherein said game machine is a gamededicated machine or a personal computer.
 11. The receiving system asclaimed in claim 9 wherein, if the game machine receives anidentification signal which is the same as the identification signal forthe software and the data for substitution or insertion for a portion ofthe data during operation of said software, said game machinesubstitutes or inserts the portion of the software to continue itsoperation.
 12. The receiving system as claimed in claim 9 wherein, ifthe game machine fails to receive an identification signal which is thesame as the identification signal for the started software, the gamemachine continues its operation on the initial software.
 13. Thereceiving system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the data for substitutionor insertion are commercial ads.
 14. The receiving system as claimed inclaim 9 wherein, if the software enable signal is not changed to apre-set signal, start of the software is inhibited.
 15. The receivingsystem as claimed in claim 14 wherein said software enable signalcontains the time information and, if the information shows an unusualvalue, the software is not started or the operation thereof isinterrupted.
 16. The receiving system as claimed in claim 15 wherein, ifthe time information is smaller in value than the previously receivedtime information, it is deemed to be unusual and the software is notstarted or the operation thereof is interrupted.
 17. The receivingsystem as claimed in claim 16 wherein, if the software enable signal isreceived at least twice on startup or during operation of the software,and the difference between the previously received time information andthe time information received next differs from an integrated clockvalue, as found by integrating the clocks in the receiving system sincethe previous reception ands the next reception, the software is notstarted or the operation thereof is interrupted.
 18. An optical discused in a receiving side system adapted for receiving data distributedby exploiting the broadcast system or the communication system, in whicha software identification signal is appended to a recorded software andsaid receiving side system can selectively use the distributed data. 19.A communication system for receiving/transmitting digital data in whichif an identification signal for a software to be started is receivedfrom a receiving side system, a software start enable signal is sent, atthe same time as data for substitution or insertion for a portion of thedata during operation of said software are distributed.
 20. Thecommunication system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the data forsubstitution or insertion are commercial ads.
 21. The broadcast systemas claimed in claim 19 in which the software start enable signal isvaried randomly.
 22. The broadcast system as claimed in claim 21 inwhich the software start enable signal updated contains the timeinformation.
 23. A transmitting side system capable of receiving andtransmitting digital data by exploiting the communication system, inwhich a software start enable signal, a signal capable of identifying asoftware started on a receiving side system and data for substitution orinsertion for a portion of the data during operation of said softwareare stored in a storage device, and in which if the signal capable ofidentifying the started software is received from the transmitting sidesystem, a software start enable signal is sent to the transmitting sidesystem and data for substitution or insertion for a portion of the dataduring operation of said software are distributed.
 24. The transmittingside system as claimed in claim 23 in which the data fro substitution orinsertion are commercial ads,
 25. The transmitting side system asclaimed in claim 23 in which the software start enable signal is variedrandomly.
 26. The transmitting side system as claimed in claim 25 inwhich the software start enable signal updated contains the timeinformation.
 27. A receiving side system capable of receiving andtransmitting digital data by exploiting the communication system,comprising: communication function means; and a game machine capable ofoperating a software; said game machine transmitting, on starting thesoftware, an identification signal for the software adapted forstarting, to a transmitting side system, the starting of the softwarebeing inhibited until acceptance of the software start enable signalsent next.
 28. The receiving side system as claimed in claim 27 in whichthe game machine transmits an identification signal for the softwareadapted for starting and, on reception of data for substitution orinsertion for a portion of the software data, substitutes or insertsportions of data during operation of the software for executing a gamemachine operation.
 29. The receiving side system as claimed in claim 27in which the game machine transmits, on starting the software, anidentification signal for the software for starting, and, ifsubsequently it fails to receive data for substitution or insertion fora portion of the software data, it continues its operation on theinitial software.
 30. The receiving side system as claimed in claim 27in which the data for substitution or insertion are commercial ads. 31.The receiving side system as claimed in claim 27 in which, if softwarestart enable signal is not updated, starting of the software isinhibited.
 32. The receiving side system as claimed in claim 27 whereinsaid software enable signal contains the time information and, if theinformation shows an unusual value, the software is not started or theoperation thereof is interrupted.
 33. The receiving side system asclaimed in claim 32 wherein, if the time information is smaller in valuethan the previously received time information, it is deemed to beunusual and the software is not started or the operation thereof isinterrupted.
 34. The receiving side system as claimed in claim 32wherein, if the software enable signal are received at least twice onstartup or during operation of the software, and the difference betweenthe previously received time information and the time informationreceived next differs significantly from an integrated clock value, asfound by integrating the clocks in the receiving system since theprevious reception and the next reception, the software is not startedor the operation thereof is interrupted.
 35. A data distribution systemfor distributing data to a plurality of receiving devices, comprising:means for recognizing a software program started on a receiving sidedevice on reception of the supplied program identification information;means for generating program start enable signal, which are signals inmeeting with a software program recognized by said recognition means andwhich, if the software program is a regular software program, enablestarting of the regular software program; and means for distributingsaid program start enable signal and for distributing data forsubstitution or insertion of part of said software program started inaccordance with said program start enable signal.
 36. The datadistribution system as claimed in claim 35 wherein said distributionmeans includes encryption means for encrypting said program start enablesignal to a state in which the encrypted program start enable signal isdecodable only if the software program started on the side of thereceiving side device is a regular program.
 37. The data distributionsystem as claimed in claim 35 wherein said program start enable signalare the information generated from the time information.
 38. The datadistribution system as claimed in claim 35 wherein, when transmittingthe program start enable signal and said data via data transmittingbroadcast medium capable of transmitting data only in one direction tosaid receiving device, said distribution means distributes said programstart enable signal at a pre-set period.
 39. The data distributionsystem as claimed in claim 35 wherein, when transmitting the programstart enable signal and said data via data transmitting broadcast mediumcapable of transmitting data only in one direction to said receivingdevice, said distribution means distributes said program start enablesignal at a first period, while transmitting said data at a secondperiod longer than said first period.
 40. The data distribution systemas claimed in claim 35 wherein, when transmitting the program startenable signal and said data via data transmitting broadcast mediumcapable of transmitting data only in one direction to said receivingdevice, said distribution means distributes said program start enablesignal and the data in a pre-set format so that said receiving devicecan receive said data only when said receiving device has been able tostart said start said software program in accordance with said programstart enable signal.
 41. The data distribution system as claimed inclaim 35 wherein, when transmitting the program start enable signal andsaid data via data transmitting broadcast medium capable of transmittingdata in two directions to said receiving device, said distribution meansdistributes the program start enable signal only if a request is madefor the program start enable signal by the receiving device.
 42. Thedata distribution system as claimed in claim 35 wherein, whentransmitting the program start enable signal and said data via datatransmitting broadcast medium capable of transmitting data in twodirections to said receiving device, said distribution means distributesthe program start enable signal and said data, responsive to a requestfrom the receiving device, so that said receiving device can receivedata before starting the software program prior to start of the softwareprogram responsive to said program start enable signal.
 43. The datadistribution system as claimed in claim 35 wherein said software programis recorded on a random-accessible recording medium of said receivingdevice and wherein said distributing means distributes the data by aformat which correlates an address specifying the position of said datain said software program with said data.
 44. A data distribution methodfor distributing data to a plurality of receiving devices, comprisingthe steps of: recognizing a software program started on a receiving sidedevice on reception of the supplied program identification information;generating program start enable signal, which are signals in meetingwith a software program recognized by said recognition means and which,if the software program is a regular software program, enable startingof the regular software program; and distributing said program startenable signal and for distributing data for substitution or insertion ofpart of said software program started in accordance with said programstart enable signal.
 45. A program executing apparatus for executing asoftware program, comprising: reception means for receiving programstart enable signal distributed from a data distributing device and datafor substitution or insertion for original data of said softwareprogram; and control means for substituting or inserting the originaldata of said software program for said data responsive to the programstart enable signal received by said reception means for executing saidsoftware program.
 46. The program executing apparatus as claimed inclaim 45 wherein said control means executes said software program onlywhen the software program to be executed is a regular software program.47. The program executing apparatus as claimed in claim 45 wherein saidcontrol means is responsive to said program start enable signal to judgewhether or not the software program is suited for being started on theprogram executing apparatus; and wherein if said software program isjudged to be suited for being started on the program executingapparatus, said control means causes the software program to beexecuted.
 48. The program executing apparatus as claimed in claim 45wherein the program start enable signal distributed by said datadistribution device is the information encrypted in accordance with apre-set algorithm so that said software program can be executed by saidcontrol means only when the software program to be executed by theprogram executing apparatus is a regular program.
 49. The programexecuting apparatus as claimed in claim 48 wherein said control meansdecodes the encrypted program start enable signal and causes thesoftware program to be executed only when the program start enablesignal have been decoded regularly.
 50. The program executing apparatusas claimed in claim 48 wherein said software program contains a programfor decoding the encrypted program start enable signal.
 51. The programexecuting apparatus as claimed in claim 48 wherein said software programcontains a program for decoding the encrypted program start enablesignal and a program for substituting or inserting the distributed datafor data of a portion of the software program for executing theresulting software program.
 52. The program executing apparatus asclaimed in claim 48 wherein said software program contains a program fordecoding the encrypted program start enable signal and a program forsubstituting or inserting the distributed data for original data of aportion of the software program for executing the resulting softwareprogram; and wherein said control means controls execution of saidsoftware program using the decoding program and the executing program.53. The program executing apparatus as claimed in claim 45 wherein saidoriginal data of the software program is recorded on a random-accessiblerecording medium.
 54. The program executing apparatus as claimed inclaim 53 wherein said reception means receives said program start enablesignal and said data, said reception means also receiving the addressinformation specifying for which portion of the software programrecorded on the recording medium the data distributed by said datadistribution device is substituted or inserted.
 55. The programexecuting apparatus as claimed in claim 53 wherein said reception meansreceives said program start enable signal and said data, said receptionmeans also receiving the address information specifying for whichportion of the software program recorded on the recording medium thedata distributed by said data distribution device is substituted orinserted; and wherein said control means when executing said softwareprogram causes the distributed data to be substituted or inserted fororiginal data of the software program at a position corresponding tosaid address information.
 56. The program executing apparatus as claimedin claim 53 wherein said control means is programmed so that, when thesoftware program is executed in accordance with the program start enablesignal, a routine is executed which executes the software program usingthe distributed data in place of a routine of executing the softwareprogram using original data on the recording medium specified by saidaddress information.
 57. The program executing apparatus as claimed inclaim 53 further comprising: a buffer memory for storing the datadistributed by said data distributing device.
 58. The program executingapparatus as claimed in claim 57 wherein said reception means receivessaid program start enable signal and said data, said reception meansalso receiving the medium address, that is the address informationspecifying for which portion of the software program recorded on therecording medium the data distributed by said data distribution deviceis substituted or inserted; said control means holding on memory themedium address and the data in association with each other prior toexecution of said software program; and wherein if readout of datacorresponding to said medium address is commanded during execution ofsaid software program, said control means causes the software program tobe executed using data stored in said buffer memory without using theoriginal data on said software program corresponding to said mediumaddress.
 59. The program executing apparatus as claimed in claim 58wherein said control means is programmed so that, when the softwareprogram is executed in accordance with the program start enable signal,a routine is executed which executes the software program using thedistributed data in place of a routine of executing the software programusing data on the recording medium specified by said medium address. 60.The program executing apparatus as claimed in claim 59 wherein, if saidprogram start enable signal is supplied at a pre-set interval from saiddata distributing device, said control means first decodes the encryptedprogram start enable signal and then causes the data to be stored insaid buffer memory.
 61. The program executing apparatus as claimed inclaim 57 wherein said control means decodes the program start enablesignal supplied from the data distributing device; said control devicecausing the data to be stored in the buffer memory if the program startenable signal has been decoded regularly; said control device beingprogrammed for substituting or inserting the data stored in said buffermemory for part of the original data of the software program recorded onsaid recording medium for executing the software program.
 62. Theprogram executing apparatus as claimed in claim 61 wherein said controlmeans decodes the program start enable signal distributed from the datadistributing device; said control device causing the execution of thesoftware program to be limited if the program start enable signal hasnot been decoded regularly.
 63. The program executing apparatus asclaimed in claim 57 wherein the data distributed by said datadistribution device has a format correlated with the medium addresswhich is the above-mentioned address information specifying for whichportions of the original software program recorded on the recordingmedium the above data is substituted or inserted.
 64. The programexecuting apparatus as claimed in claim 63 wherein said control meanscauses the data distributed by said data distribution device, a bufferaddress specifying the recording position of distributed data in saidbuffer memory and the medium address corresponding to the distributeddata to be correlated with one another for storage of the correlateddata therein.
 65. The program executing apparatus as claimed in claim 64wherein said control means is programmed so that it is judged whether ornot there is a readout request for data on a recording mediumcorresponding to the medium address stored in said buffer memory; ifthere is a readout request for data on a recording medium correspondingto the medium address, data stored in said buffer memory is read out inmeeting with the buffer address stored in association with the mediumaddress in said buffer memory, without reading out data corresponding tosaid medium address from said recording medium; and so that the softwareprogram is executed using data read out from said buffer memory.
 66. Theprogram executing apparatus as claimed in claim 57 wherein if saidprogram start enable signal is supplied at a pre-set period from saiddata distributing device, said control means first judges whether or notthe program start enable signal has been decoded regularly andsubsequently causes the data distributed from said data distributingdevice to be stored in said buffer memory.
 67. The program executingapparatus as claimed in claim 57 wherein said control means isprogrammed so that, of plural sorts of data distributed from said datadistributing device, only data correlated with the program IDrepresenting the software program executed by the program executingapparatus will be stored in said buffer memory.
 68. The programexecuting apparatus as claimed in claim 57 wherein, if the programexecuting apparatus and the data distribution device can communicatebi-directionally, said control means transmits the program ID signalrepresenting the software program to said data distributing device inorder to have the program start enable signal and said data pertainingto said software program distributed from said data distribution device.69. The program executing apparatus as claimed in claim 68 wherein saidcontrol means is responsive to said program ID signal to judge whetheror not the data is to be received on the basis of the program startenable signal returned by said data distribution device.
 70. The programexecuting apparatus as claimed in claim 68 wherein said control means isresponsive to said program ID signal to limit the starting of saidsoftware program on the basis of the program start enable signalreturned by said data distribution device.
 71. The program executingapparatus as claimed in claim 68 wherein said control means isresponsive to said program ID signal to vary the results of execution ofsaid software program on the basis of the program start enable signaland the data returned by said data distribution device.
 72. The programexecuting apparatus as claimed in claim 68 wherein the apparatus isconnected to display means adapted for displaying a video imagegenerated on executing the software program; said control means beingprogrammed for switching from a video image which might be displayed onsaid display means if the software program is executed using only thedata recorded on said recording medium to a video image which might bedisplayed on said display means if the software program is executedusing data returned form said data distributing device responsive to theprogram ID signal.
 73. The program executing apparatus as claimed inclaim 57 wherein, if it is commanded to execute the software programrecorded on said recording medium, said control means performs firsttransmitting processing of transmitting the program ID signalrepresenting the software program to said data distributing device inorder to have the program start enable signal and said data pertainingto said software program distributed from said data distribution device;first judgment processing of judging whether or not the distributedprogram start enable signal has been decoded regularly; causing datadistributed from said data distributing device to be stored in saidbuffer memory if the program start enable signal has been decodedregularly in said first judgment processing; second transmittingprocessing of re-transmitting the program ID signal to said datadistributing device; and second judgment processing of re-judgingwhether or not the distributed program start enable signal has beendecoded regularly; said control means causing the software program to beexecuted using the data store in said buffer memory if the program startenable signal has been decoded regularly in said second judgmentprocessing.
 74. A program updating apparatus in which original data ofpart of the software program recorded on a recording medium is updatedto data distributed from a data distributing device, comprising:receiving means for receiving from the data distributing device aprogram start enable signal for enabling starting of said softwareprogram and said data; and updating means for updating the original dataof part of said software program only when said program start enablesignal has been decoded regularly.
 75. A program executing method forexecuting a software program, comprising: a receiving step of receivingprogram a start enable signal distributed by said data distributingmeans and data for substitution or insertion for original data of partof said software program; and a control step of substituting orinserting said data for original data of part of said software programresponsive to the program start enable signal received in said receivingstep for executing the resulting software program.
 76. A program startcontrol apparatus for controlling the starting of a software program,comprising: receiving means for receiving from a data distributingdevice data for substitution or insertion for original data of part ofthe software program and encrypted program start enable signal; andlimiting means for enabling execution of a program of substituting orinserting said data for original data of part of the software program ifthe encrypted program start enable signal can be decoded regularly, saidlimiting means limiting starting of said software program if theencrypted program start enable signal cannot be decoded regularly.
 77. Aprogram start limiting method for limiting starting of a softwareprogram, comprising: a receiving step of receiving from a datadistributing device data for substitution or insertion for original dataof part of the software program and encrypted program start enablesignal; and a limiting step of enabling execution of a program ofsubstituting or inserting said data for original data of part of thesoftware program if the encrypted program start enable signal can bedecoded regularly and limiting starting of said software program if theencrypted program start enable signal cannot be decoded regularly.